Ira Wilburn Simmons III, of Jackson, TN, passed away peacefully at Methodist Hospice Residence in Memphis early in the evening of October 8, 2023.

Ira is survived by his two sons, Wilburn (wife Susan and daughter Amanda) of Cordova, TN and Danny Simmons of Jackson, TN.  He also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Ira was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Cook Simmons and by his parents Ira W. Simmons, Jr. and Fidelia Simmons as well as by his sister Rita O'Bryan.

Ira was born on July 30, 1931 in Halls Tennessee and the family relocated to Dyersburg TN shortly thereafter where his parents opened a successful men's shoe store and shoe repair shop that was a fixture in downtown Dyersburg for decades.  He was a graduate of Dyersburg High School and joined the United States Air Force shortly after the start of the Korean War.  He served in the Air Force from 1951 until he was honorably discharged in 1955, having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.  He spent the majority of time while in the military stationed in Germany.

Upon returning to the states, he married his future wife and the love of his life, Carolyn Marie Cook.  They were married on June 5, 1955 and enjoyed a loving marriage until her death in March of 2017.

Ira spent all of his working life in the educational field after earning an undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master's Degree from Memphis State University.  He began his career as a teacher at Overton High School in Memphis and shortly thereafter accepted a position as a Supervisor in the Department of Special Education with the Memphis City Schools.  He returned to his hometown of Dyersburg in 1975 after accepting an offer to become head of Special & Vocational Education.  He stayed there until his "first" retirement and then continued working as an educational consultant in Panama City, Florida and then in Jackson, Mississippi.  He and Carolyn eventually retired in Jackson, Tennessee.

Throughout his life, Ira was a faithful follower of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and could be found in leadership positions at each church he ever attended.  He loved the Lord and was eager to share that love with all he met.  His friendships and the relationships he nurtured over the years will impact others in a positive was for many years after his passing.  Ira was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Dyersburg and was a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson, TN at the time of his death.

Funeral Services are set for Thursday afternoon October 12 at 2 o'clock in the chapel of Dyersburg Funeral Home, 420 US Hwy 51 Bypass West in Dyersburg.  Visitation will take place from 1 o'clock until the start of the service.  Interment will follow the service where he will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Dyersburg.  Members of the Barnabas Men's Group of First Baptist Church of Jackson will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.